TfL contactless payments set to launch in September

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that as of September customers will be able to use their mobiles to make contactless payments.

Currently, passengers pay for journeys by topping up a prepaid Oyster card which is then touched on readers at stations and on buses. From September 16th, they will be able to tap either their smartphones or contactless debit, credit and prepaid cards instead. The most efficient fare will be calculated automatically, taking into account daily fare caps in the same way as the current Oyster card does, as well as a new weekly “Monday to Sunday” cap.

To develop the scheme, TfL worked closely with a number of payment card industry figures, including The UK Cards Association, American Express, MasterCard, Visa Europe and Barclaycard. When the new system launches, TfL will be one of the world’s largest single merchants accepting contactless payment cards.

“Offering the option of contactless payments will make it easier and more convenient for customers to pay for their travel, freeing them of the need to top up Oyster credit and helping them get on board without delay,” said Shashi Verma, TfL’s Director of Customer Experience. “The pilot has been a success, with participants giving us really useful feedback. This is the latest step in making life easier for our customers by using modern technology to offer the best service possible.”